Discover your Chinese zodiac animal sign by birth year and learn how the lunar calendar determines your true sign.
Your Chinese sign or animal is determined by the year of your birthday. The only catch is that the ‘year’ in this regard is the year according to the Chinese lunar calendar, rather than according to the western or Gregorian calendar. While there are a number of different dates used to determine Chinese New Year — some associated with the December solstice, others with New Moon in Aquarius — the most widely used date for Chinese New Year, especially as it relates to astrology and Feng Shui, is the mid-way point between the December 20 Solstice and the March 21 Equinox. This date is usually February 4.
If your birthday is from January 1-February 4, your Chinese animal sign will be the one of the preceding year. In popular Chinese astrology, your animal sign is determined by your year of birth, rather than the month. A more detailed Chinese astrology reading will determine your four main Chinese animals, one for your year, month, day and time of birth. In this feature, we’ll focus on the widely used ‘sign of the year’ format.
Look up your birth year below to determine your Chinese sign. Remember, if your birthday is earlier in the calendar year than February 4, you will need to look up the animal for the year preceding your birth. For example, if you were born January 10, 1979, you would actually look up the animal ruling in 1978, which is the Chinese year that governs your birthday (it runs from February 4, 1978-February 4, 1979)
Rat
1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
The lively Rat is energetic, restless and creative. Rats are active at night and as a Rat you may be more productive at night rather than during the day. Rats are respected for their quick thinking, open-minded and honest manner. You may benefit from interacting with a practical partner who can help you bring some of your exciting and abundant ideas to fruition. You may struggle with focus or follow through, preferring to always be darting around between projects. If you have the flexibility to create your own schedule at work, you’ll find you excel at being able to work according to your own rhythms, rather than according to the schedules of others. All kinds of communication fields appeal as you
have a talent for both speaking and writing, and you may make a great teacher. Travel and learning are wonderful pastimes for you. Others may appreciate your spot-on advice — you can come up with a solution to almost anything and are inherently resourceful.
Ox
1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
The Ox is associated with the last month of winter, and the work required to prepare for the growing season ahead. As an Ox, you too are comfortable doing the hard work needed to prepare for future success. You are diligent and stable and others love how reliable you are. You are tolerant with others, though you will be firm about sticking to your own beliefs and ideas. You provide strength and stability to those around you and prefer to create routines you can stick with. Your solid nature can mean you’re sometimes stubborn. Your energy may be contained and you find it easy to focus, as you don’t like to waste time. You may prefer to stick with what you know rather than make changes. Your matter-of fact approach means you like to deal in the realm of the real world.
Professions that involve land, buildings or being outside may appeal. You may prefer privacy but will likely have a hidden romantic streak. Others love how loyal and fair you are. You have a sense of purpose and stick with things to the end.
Tiger
1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
The Tiger’s links to authority, royalty and luxury make this a popular sign. The Tiger is considered to be the animal in charge and is born to lead rather than obey. The Tiger rules the first month of the Chinese year, which is also the first month of spring, and so has a natural skill for leadership. If you are a Tiger you also have a strong determination to succeed as well as a healthy sense of competitiveness. The Tiger easily attracts admirers and is blessed with charisma. Interesting, quick witted and lively, as a Tiger you make a great conversationalist. Others may follow your lead, or look to you for guidance. Having such a strong sense of self and being primed for success means others may at times feel resentful of you. Your desire to be the leader means you may naturally fall into that role. At times you may unwittingly step on others’ toes. Tradition appeals and established careers may be your best fit, though you will enjoy helping others improve their fortunes too. The more diplomacy and tact you can develop, the smoother your rise to a high position will be. Tigers are considered magnetic and irresistible, and respected for the warm and engaging leadership style. Others love your courage and bravery.
Rabbit
1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
The Rabbit is associated with the blossoming energy of fertile spring, and represents new life. The Rabbit has special affinity with children and anyone in need of nurturing and protection. The Rabbit is associated with the wood element, and can indicate an interest in herbal medicines, or a love of working with plants, flowers or in gardens. If you are a Rabbit you might be drawn to express this caring energy through a healing profession. The strong focus on children may inspire you to make sacrifices on behalf of your children. Rabbits prefer the early morning. You may excel at working through diplomatic channels, or enjoy working quietly in the background. Your understanding of manners and decorum can help you attract favourable attention, and you may be friendly with a wide variety of people. You may be persuasive and will be protective of anyone in your care who appears to be threatened or at risk. A calm, peaceful or tranquil setting, at home and at work, will suit you best.
Dragon
1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
As the only mythical creature amongst the 12 Chinese animals, there is a magical quality to the Dragon. In Chinese mythology, the dragon was not something to be feared; rather it was respected for its power and ability to bestow riches and rewards. As a Dragon, you may have an exotic or otherworldly quality. Theatre and dramatic performances may appeal for the spectacle they provide. Dragons are associated with wealth, but your fortunes may fluctuate or disappear as easily as they arrive, especially if you have a weakness for gambling or speculation, which you should avoid. Excitement follows you almost everywhere, which keeps life fun but can create tension with family or at home. You may thrive on a challenge, or want to live a full or over-the-top life. Others may respect your passionate nature, ambition and confidence. Even though you have an abundance of energy and drive, you will do well when you have a partner — in your personal life or at work — to help guide and focus your talents.
Snake
1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Far from being a creature associated with mischief, the snake is revered as a spiritual animal that represents magic and mystery. If you are a Snake, you may be sensuous, graceful and able to glide along effortlessly. As a Snake, having time to sit quietly is one of life’s luxuries so try to arrange this regularly, like every day if not at least once a week. You may be especially observant, or able to sense when there are secrets or hidden motives. Snakes are vigilant and always watching, never missing the sub text or underlying meaning behind current events. You may excel at information gathering or have great attention to detail. Anything that involves research or investigative work may appeal. You might be budget-conscious, but willing to splurge on the occasional luxury. Truth and honesty are important, though you may hold onto what you know and are more likely to be a private perso